Crash-ready, portable, compartmentalization device

ABSTRACT

A crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization device may include a shell which includes a first half shell and a second half shell. The first half shell and the second half shell may have substantially similar dimensions and define an interior space and an exterior space. One or more pouches may be removably coupled to the shell in the interior space. The crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization device may be relocated throughout the interior of an emergency vehicle when used with an equipment mounting system or taken to the field for use away from the emergency vehicle. The individual pouches may also be removed and replaced with stocked pouches to replenish the crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed as a continuation of PCT Application No.US2014/050,288, filed Aug. 8, 2014, which claims priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 62/026,520, filed Jul. 18, 2014, and titled “ACrash-Ready, Portable, Compartmentalization Device.” This application isrelated to: Provisional Application 61/763,045, filed Feb. 11, 2014, andtitled “Equipment Mounting System” and PCT Application No. US2014/015,898, filed Feb. 11, 2014, and titled “Equipment MountingSystem,” and US continuation-in-part Application No. 14/455,471, filedAug. 8, 2014, and titled “Equipment Mounting System.” This applicationis also related to PCT Application No. US2014/050392, filed Aug. 8,2014, and titled “Equipment Mounting System” which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to a portablecompartmentalization device for use in various configurations with avehicle or a structure and, more specifically, a crash-ready, portable,compartmentalization device that is used with an equipment mountingsystem.

BACKGROUND

Many supplies used in mobile applications are organized in furnitureusing design techniques for use in a structure. Many times, the designtechniques do not overcome the deficiencies of using the furniture in aspace limited environment, such as in mobile applications. Furthermore,the furniture is normally rigidly attached in mobile applications whichmay not allow the supplies stored in the furniture to be used in anotherlocation. The rigors that the securing fasteners for the furniture mustendure are increased in mobile applications over static applications.Furthermore, the occupants of the vehicle may require relocation of thefurniture without the need for tools.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment a crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalizationdevice may include a shell which includes a first half shell and asecond half shell. The first half shell and the second half shell mayhave substantially similar dimensions and define an interior space andan exterior space. The first half shell and the second half shell may behingedly coupled along a common side such that the first half shell andthe second half shell can be positioned in a closed position in whichthe first half shell and the second half shell are disposed parallel toand stacked in relation to each other such that the interior spaces arecombined and an open position in which the first half shell and thesecond half shell are disposed adjacent to and coplanar with oneanother. The crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization device mayalso include a first handle coupled to the first half shell along a sidesubstantially parallel to a central axis and a second handle coupled tothe first half shell along a side substantially parallel to a mount axisand opposite from one or more feet. A seam fastener may be coupled to anouter edge of the first half shell and the second half shell and used tocouple the first half shell to the second half shell together when theshell is in the closed position. One or more mount locations may becoupled to an exterior wall of the first half shell and configured tosecure the shell to a surface. One or more pouches may be removablycoupled to the shell in the interior space. Each pouch may include acontainer defining an interior compartment and having an opening forreceiving items into the interior compartment, a flap hingedly coupledto the container and sized to cover the opening and at least a portionof an outer surface of the container, and means for securing the flap tothe outer surface of the container. The crash-ready, portable, itemcompartmentalization device may also include one or more restraintstraps coupled to the first half shell and the second half shell andconfigured to secure the second half shell and provide a tensioningforce between the first half shell and the second half shell when theshell is in an open position such that the interior spaces remainvertically aligned.

In another embodiment a method of utilizing a crash-ready, portable,item compartmentalization device may include mounting the crash-ready,portable, item compartmentalization device to a quick mount track, thecrash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization device may include ashell with a first half shell and a second half shell, the first halfshell and the second half shell have substantially similar dimensionswhich define an interior space and an exterior space, the first halfshell and the second half shell are hingedly coupled along a common sidesuch that the first half shell and the second half shell can bepositioned in a closed position in which the first half shell and thesecond half shell are disposed parallel to and stacked in relation toeach other such that the interior spaces are combined, and an openposition in which the first half shell and the second half shell aredisposed adjacent to and coplanar with one another. The crash-ready,portable, item compartmentalization device may also include a firsthandle coupled to the first half shell along a side substantiallyparallel to a central axis and a second handle coupled to the first halfshell along a side substantially parallel to a mount axis and oppositefrom one or more feet. A seam fastener may be coupled to an outer edgeof the first half shell and the second half shell and couples the firsthalf shell to the second half shell when the shell is in the closedposition. One or more mount locations coupled to an exterior wall of thefirst half shell and configured to secure the shell to the quick mounttrack along with one or more restraint straps coupled to the first halfshell and the second half shell and configured to secure the second halfshell and provide a tensioning force between the first half shell andthe second half shell when the shell is in an open position such thatthe interior spaces remain vertically aligned. The method may alsoinclude transitioning the crash-ready, portable, itemcompartmentalization device from a closed position to an open positionand securing the crash-ready, portable, item compartmentalization devicewith one or more restraint straps.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments describedherein will be more fully understood in view of the following detaileddescription, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. Thefollowing detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can beunderstood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherelike structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a magnetic pouch mount according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the magnetic pouch mount according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pouch according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pouch according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the pouch according to one or more embodimentsshown and described herein;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the mounting bracket according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 7 is another front view of the pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a single pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the single pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 10 is another front view of the single pouch according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a tall pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the tall pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a latch adapter according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 14 depicts the latch adapter in an actuate position according toone or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 15 is another front view of the tall pouch according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the tall pouch coupled to the magneticpouch mount according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of the tall pouch coupled to two magneticpouch mounts according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 18 illustrates an pouch mounted to a surface according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 19 a front view of a crash-ready, portable, itemcompartmentalization device (softwall) according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the softwall according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a shell of the softwall according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the softwall according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the softwall in an open position according toone or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the softwall 100 according to oneor more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 25 is another top view of the softwall according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a first embodiment of the softwall accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the softwall accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 28 is a front view of a second embodiment of the softwall accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the second embodiment the softwall accordingto one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a restraint strap andan anchor according to one or more embodiments shown and describedherein;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle with the softwall coupledto a wall of the vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown anddescribed herein;

FIG. 32 illustrates an equipment mounting system according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 33 is a side view of a mount stud according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 34 is a isometric view of a wedge interface according to one ormore embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 35 is a front view of the wedge interface according to one or moreembodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 26 and 27 generally depict one embodiment of a crash-ready,portable, modular, compartmentalization softwall device and system fororganizing and securing items for transport. The softwall devicegenerally includes two half shells forming a complete shell, each halfshell has a backing plate with a number of removable means to secure aplurality of pouches to each half shell. The plurality of pouches may beconfigured to be secured to each half shell in a variety ofconfigurations. For example, each removable means may secure only onepouch. In another example, a large pouch may be secured to two or moreremovable means. In yet another example, two small pouches may besecured to a single removable means. The configuration of the removablemeans in each half shell may allow for multiple configurations ofvarious size pouches within the softwall device. Each half shell may besecured to the other half shell to form the complete shell and protectthe pouches and the items held within. The shell, pouches, and thevarious removable means and connectors are all crash-ready as definedbelow. In other words, the complete shell, pouches, and various means tosecure a plurality of pouches, and connectors are designed to surviveand withstand inertial and impact forces normally occurring during acrash and still retain functionality and contain the various itemsstored within. Various embodiments of the softwall device and methods ofits use will be described in more detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a front view of a magnetic pouch mount 500 isshown in a retention position. The magnetic pouch mount 500 may includean alignment plate 505, one or more mounting apertures 510, a mountindicia 540, one or more latch apertures 530, and a latch 600 (FIG. 2).The latch 600 may include a latch handle 525 and one or more latch teeth535. Each latch tooth 535 may protrude into each latch aperture 530 asshown in FIG. 1 in the retention position.

Each latch tooth may be crash-ready. As used throughout, “crash-ready”means that a device, equipment, mount, track, fastening devices, or astructure may be configured to survive an inertial force, an impact, avehicle crash, or a sudden vehicle maneuver and retain functionalityafterwards where the force exerted upon the device, equipment, mount,track, fastening devices, or a structure may exceed about 15 Gs (i.e.,units of gravitational force or g-force) in a fore-aft direction andexceed about 17 Gs in a lateral direction. In one embodiment, the forceexerted upon the device, equipment, mount, track, fastening devices, ora structure may exceed about 22 Gs (i.e., units of gravitational forceor g-force) in a fore-aft direction and exceed about 26 Gs in a lateraldirection.

A latch axis 550 may be centered on each of the one or more latchapertures 530. The one or more mounting apertures 510 may be positionedsuch that they are a mirror image of each other across the latch axis550. A mounting aperture axis 555 bisects each of the one or moremounting apertures 510. The mounting aperture axis 555 may besubstantially orthogonal to the latch axis 550.

The mount indicia 540 may be used to indicate which pouch or combinationof pouches should be secured to the magnetic pouch mount 500. As usedthroughout, the term “pouch” without a reference number indicates it maybe a pouch 900 (FIG. 3), a single pouch 901 (FIG. 8), a tall pouch 902(FIG. 11), and a long pouch 903 (FIG. 25). In one embodiment, the pouchmay have corresponding indicia to allow for ease in matching the pouchto the magnetic pouch mount 500. In another embodiment, a plate surface545 of the alignment plate 505 may be color coded to allow for ease inmatching the pouch to the magnetic pouch mount 500.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the magnetic pouch mount 500 with an optionalprotective cover (not shown) removed to identify the internal componentsof the magnetic pouch mount 500. The optional protective cover may beused to seal the magnetic pouch mount 500 from dust and othercontaminates. The latch 600 may include the latch handle 525 and one ormore transitioning blocks 610. Each transitioning block 610 may becoupled to each latch tooth 535 of FIG. 1. Each transitioning block 610may be slidably coupled with a latch aperture housing 615. A toothaperture (not shown) in the latch aperture housing 615 may allow eachlatch tooth 535 to transition between the retention position and arelease position as explained in greater detail below.

The one or more transitioning blocks 610 are biased in the retentionposition (i.e., each latch tooth 535 protruding into each latch aperture530) by one or more latch springs 605. Each transitioning block 610 maybe biased by at least one latch spring 605 in the retention position.The latch handle 525 may include one or more latch arms 616. Each latcharm 616 may be coupled to the each transitioning block 610. In oneembodiment, each latch arm 616 may be in contact with each transitioningblock 610. When the transitioning block 610 is biased in the retentionposition, the latch handle 525, through the contact of the transitioningblock 610 with the latch arm 616, is biased in the direction of arrow“A”.

The latch handle 525 may be transitioned from the retention positionshown in FIG. 1 to the release position. In the release position, thelatch handle 525 may be transitioned in the direction of arrow “B.” Thelatch arms 616 may exert a release force on the transitioning blocks 610thereby overcoming the biasing force of the one or more latch springs605 and retracting each latch tooth 535 out of the latch aperture 530.The operation of the latch 600 in relation to the pouch is described ingreater detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the alignment plate 505 may include one ormore plate mounting points 620 and one or more mounting aperturehousings 625. Each plate mounting point 620 may be used to secure thealignment plate 505 to a surface or device. Each mounting aperturehousing 625 may define each mounting aperture 510 of FIG. 1 in thealignment plate 505. The alignment plate 505 may also include one ormore magnetic areas 520 disposed within the alignment plate 505. Eachmagnetic area 520 may include any device or object that creates ormaintains a magnetic field. The device or object that creates ormaintains a magnetic field may include a magnet, a rare earth magnet, anelectromagnet, or a magnetized metal. In one embodiment, each magneticarea 520 may not be visible when viewing the plate surface 545.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the magnetic pouch mount 500 may beconfigured to secure the pouch to a surface 1800 or device. For example,the surface 1800 or device may include, but is not limited to, a vehiclewall, a vehicle structure, a building wall, a building structure, a cot,a chair, a bag, a cart, or the like. The magnetic pouch mount 500 may beconfigured to crash-ready.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the pouch 900. The pouch 900 may include aflap 905. The flap 905 may include a flexible window 910 and a tab 915.The flexible window 910 may be made from plastic or acrylic or the likeand may allow viewing of the items in an interior compartment 970 (FIG.7). The dimensions of the pouch 900 may be from about 4 in tall to about7 in tall and from about 2 in wide to about 6 in wide. All pouches mayhave about the same thickness which may be from about 2 in thick toabout 6 in thick. In one embodiment, the pouch may have a thickness fromabout 2 in thick to about 8 in thick if only one half shell isconfigured with removable means as described below.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pouch 900. The pouch 900 may include acontainer 906 and a mounting bracket 920. The container 906 is discussedin greater detail below in relation to FIG. 7. The mounting bracket 920may include one or more alignment pegs 925, a catch 930, and one or morebracket magnetic areas 935. The one or more alignment pegs 925 may beconfigured to slidably couple with the one or more mounting apertures510 shown in FIG. 1. The catch 930 may be configured to removably couplewith the latch aperture 530 shown in FIG. 1. The one or more bracketmagnetic areas 935 may be disposed within the mounting bracket 920 andconfigured to induce an attractive magnetic force with the one or moremagnetic areas 520 shown in FIG. 2 when the pouch 900 is in proximity tothe magnetic pouch mount 500. In other words, the one or more bracketmagnetic areas 935 and the one or more magnetic areas 520 may be polaropposites of each to induce the attractive magnetic force between them.For example, when the pouch 900 is placed in proximity to the magneticpouch mount 500, the attractive magnetic force will align and couple thepouch 900 to the magnetic pouch mount 500. In another embodiment, theone or more magnetic areas 520 may be an electromagnet and the one ormore bracket magnetic areas 935 may be a ferrous metal that is attractedto the electromagnet with the electromagnet is energized.

The mounting bracket 920 may be coupled to the container 906 of thepouch 900 by one or more fastening means 950. “Fastening means”, as usedthroughout, may include, but are not limited to, screws, bolts, rivets,nails, adhesive, Velcro, weld, epoxy, or any similar devices thatmechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together. The mountingbracket 920 may be configured to removably couple with half of themagnetic pouch mount 500 shown in FIG. 1. The pouch 900 is shown in FIG.4 with only one mounting bracket 920. The pouch 900 may couple with halfof one magnetic pouch mount 500 or two pouches 900 may couple, side byside, with one magnetic pouch mount 500.

A catch axis 940 may be centered on the catch 930. The one or morealignment pegs 925 may be positioned such that they are a mirror imageof each other across the catch axis 940. An alignment peg axis 945 maybisects each of the one or more alignment pegs 925. The catch axis 940may be substantially orthogonal to the alignment peg axis 945.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the pouch 900. The flap 905 may be hingedlycoupled to the container 906 by a pouch hinge 955. In one embodiment,the pouch hinge 955 may be constructed from the same material that thecontainer 906 is constructed from and resemble a piano hinge. Otherexamples of mechanisms to hingedly couple the flap 905 and the container906 may include, but are not limited to, a butt hinge, a strap hinge, at-hinge, and a double-acting hinge. The catch 930 on the mountingbracket 920 may include a tooth aperture 960 configured to receive thelatch tooth 535 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the mounting bracket 920. The catch 930may be configured to removably couple with the latch aperture 530(FIG. 1) and slidably couple with the latch aperture housing 615 of FIG.2. A rounded surface 965 may be configured to transition the latch tooth535 from the retention position to the release position when the catch930 is coupled with the latch aperture 530 with actuation of the latchhandle 525. The rounded surface 965 may be an inclined edge, a taperededge, or the like. The one or more alignment pegs 925 may also include arounded surface 965 to slidably couple each alignment peg 925 into eachmounting aperture 510 of FIG. 1. The rounded surface 965 may aid inaligning the catch 930 with the latch aperture 530 and aid in aligningthe each alignment pegs 925 with each latch aperture 530.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the pouch 900. The mounting bracket 920 mayinclude an L-shaped extension 995 that is configured to wrap under thecontainer 906 and support some of a weight of the items in the interiorcompartment 970 shown in FIG. 7. The fastening means 950 may be used tocouple the L-shaped extension 995 to the container 906. A securing means985 may be used to secure the flap 905 to the container 906. Securingmeans are discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 7 is another front view of the pouch 900 with the flap 905 in anopen position. The container 906 may include a partial enclosure and anopening 975. The partial enclosure and the opening 975 may define aninterior compartment 970 and the opening 975 may allow items to bereceived into the interior compartment 970. In one embodiment, thecontainer 906 may include a flexible window to allow viewing of theitems in the interior compartment 970. The flap 905 may be sized tocover the opening 975 and at least a portion of an outer surface 980 ofthe container 906. The flap 905 may be made from the same material asthe container 906. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 10,11, and 15, the fastening means 950 may be coupled through the container906 to the mounting bracket 920 (not shown). In another embodiment, thecontainer 906 may be a water tight container. In this embodiment, thefastening means may not penetrate the container 906 to ensure that thecontainer 906 remains water tight. The fastening means used to maintaina water tight container may be adhesive, weld, epoxy, or any similardevices that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects togetherwithout creating or using an aperture.

The pouch 900 may also include securing means 985 (FIG. 6B) to securethe flap 905 to the outer surface 980 of the container 906. Securingmeans 985 may include Velcro®, a button snap, a button and hole, a hookand bar, a zipper, a snap buckle, a buckle, a Fidlock® Slider fastener,a Fidlock® SNAP fastener, a Fidlock® SNAP buckle fastener, a Fidlock®SNAP push fastener, a Fidlock® SNAP pull fastener, a Fidlock® MINI TURNfastener, a Fidlock® Hook fastener, or the like. The securing means 985may be crash-ready.

In one embodiment, the securing means 985 may include a snap 985 a and apost 985 b. Both the snap 985 a and the post 985 b may include a set ofmagnets that are polar opposites of each other such that when the snap985 a and the post 985 b are in close proximity to each other, the snap985 a is attracted to and couples with the post 985 b. Transitioning theflap from the open position to the closed position and vice versus areperformed in a cycle. The transition from the open position to theclosed position part of the cycle may include:

Phase 1: During the approach of snap 985 a to the post 985 b, i.e., inthe effective region of the magnetic forces between the set of magnets,the snap 985 a and the post 985 b are urged laterally into the closedposition with maximum attraction of the attractive magnetic forcebetween the set of magnets.

Phase 2: The attractive magnetic force between the set of magnets in theclosed position overcomes the forced needed to couple the snap 985 awith the post 985 b. In other words, the attractive force of the magnetstransitions the flap 905 from the open position to the closed positionand the coupling of the snap 985 a and the post 985 b overcomes theattractive magnetic force to retain the flap 905 in the closed position.

In the closed position, the snap 985 a and the post 985 b are coupledtogether such that any item in the interior compartment 970 is retainedwithin the interior compartment 970 until the flap is transitioned fromthe closed position to the open position. The transition from the closedposition to the open position of the cycle may include:

Phase 3: The attractive magnetic force between the set of magnets isweakened by lateral displacement of the snap 985 a in relation to thepost 985 b. In other words, a user may grab the tab 915 shown in FIG. 3and pull down on the flap 905 thereby causing the set of magnets in thesnap 985 a and the post 985 b to no longer be adjacent to each other.The attractive magnetic force gets weaker as the snap 985 a and the post985 b are separated by an increase in distance

Phase 4: Together with this lateral displacement, the post 985 b isremoved from the snap 985 a such that the snap 985 a is moved out ofengagement with the post 985 b by a lateral displacement therebyseparating the snap 985 a and the post 985 b from each other.

The snap 985 a and the post 985 b incorporating a set of magnets allowsa user to release the flap 905 into a freefall and the flap 905, throughthe attractive magnetic force between the set of magnets, willtransition from the open position to the closed position and will couplewith the outer surface 980 of the container 906 without furtherintervention on the part of the user. Further explanation and examplesmay be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,434 which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a single pouch 901. The single pouch 901 mayinclude the flap 905, the tab 915, and the flexible window 910.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the single pouch 901. The single pouch 901 mayinclude a first mounting bracket 920 a and a second mounting bracket 920b coupled to the container 906. The first mounting bracket 920 a and thesecond mounting bracket 920 b may be coupled together with a frame 990.The first mounting bracket 920 a and the second mounting bracket 920 bare configured to couple with a magnetic pouch mount 500 shown inFIG. 1. The first mounting bracket 920 a and the second mounting bracket920 b may include the one or more bracket magnetic areas 935.

FIG. 10 is another front view of the single pouch 901 with the flap 905in an open position. The interior compartment 970 of the single pouch901 is about twice as much volume as the pouch 900 of FIG. 7. Thedimensions of the single pouch 901 may be from about 4 inches (in) tallto about 7 in tall and from about 5 in wide to about 10 in wide.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a tall pouch 902. The tall pouch 902 mayinclude the flap 905, the tab 915, and the flexible window 910. Theouter surface 980 of the container 906 extends below the flap 905 whenthe flap is in the closed position.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the tall pouch 902. The container 906 may becoupled to a modified mounting bracket 921 by the use of fastening means950. The modified mounting bracket 921 may include the L-shapedextension 995, the one or more alignment pegs 925, the frame 990, one ormore catches 930, and a latch adapter 526. The latch adapter 526 iscaptured between the container 906 and the frame 990. The latch adapter526 transitions along a bracket axis 907. The bracket axis is centrallyand vertically located along the modified mounting bracket 921. Thelatch adapter 526 is described in greater detail below in relation toFIGS. 13 and 15.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the latch adapter 526. The latch adapter526 may include a first latch handle engagement surface 450 and a secondlatch handle engagement surface 455, a plurality of stops 460, and asliding structure 465 having a sliding surface 470. The first latchhandle engagement surface

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the plurality of stops are configuredto limit an amount of travel of the latch adapter 526 between a restposition, shown in FIG. 12, and an actuate position, shown in FIG. 14.In the rest position, an upper plurality of stops 461 are in contactwith the frame 990 as shown in FIG. 12. In the actuate position, a lowerplurality of stops 462 are in contact with the frame 990 as shown inFIG. 14. The sliding surface 470 allows for a smooth transition betweenthe rest position and the actuate position. The sliding surface 470 maybe slidably coupled with the frame 990. The frame 990 may define therest position and the actuate position.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of another embodiment of the tall pouch 902. Inthis embodiment, there may be only two catches, a first catch 930 a anda second catch 930 b. The latch adapter 526 is shown in the actuateposition. This embodiment may negate the need to secure the tall pouch902 to a lower magnetic pouch mount 500 as described below in relationto FIGS. 12, 13, and 17.

FIG. 15 is another front view of the tall pouch 902 with the flap 905 inan open position. The interior compartment 970 of the tall pouch 902 isabout twice as much volume as the single pouch 901 of FIG. 8. Thedimensions of the tall pouch 902 may be from about 8 in tall to about 12in tall and from about 8 in wide to about 10 in wide.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the tall pouch 902 coupled to themagnetic pouch mount 500 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, and 16,the tall pouch 902 may be removably coupled with a single magnetic pouchmount 500. The first latch handle engagement surface 450 may makecontact with the latch handle 525. As the latch adapter 526 istransitioned from the rest position to the actuate position in thedirection of arrow “C”, the first latch handle engagement surface 450transitions the latch 600 of FIG. 2 from the retention position to therelease position thereby releasing the tall pouch 902 from the magneticpouch mount 500. The one or more latch springs 605 (FIG. 2) bias thelatch handle 525 in the retention position and the latch adapter 526 inthe rest position.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 17, in one embodiment, the tall pouch 902may be removably coupled with two magnetic pouch mounts 500 (FIG. 1)wherein each magnetic pouch mount 500 is positioned vertically along thebracket axis 907 of FIG. 12 such that an upper magnetic pouch mount 501(shown in FIG. 17) is removably coupled with an upper set of catches 931(FIG. 12) and a lower magnetic pouch mount 502 (shown in FIG. 17) may beremovably coupled with a lower set of catches 932 (FIG. 12). The firstlatch handle engagement surface 450 may make contact with the latchhandle 525 of the upper pouch mount 501 and the second latch handleengagement surface 455 may make contact with the latch handle 525 of thelower pouch mount 502. As the latch adapter 526 is transitioned from therest position to the actuate position in the direction of arrow “C”, thefirst latch handle engagement surface 450 transitions the latch 600 ofFIG. 2 of the upper magnetic pouch mount 501 from the retention positionto the release position and simultaneously transitions the latch 600 ofthe lower magnetic pouch mount 502 from the retention position to therelease position thereby releasing the tall pouch 902 from both theupper magnetic pouch mount 501 and the lower magnetic pouch mount 502.The one or more latch springs 605 (FIG. 2) bias the latch handle 525 inthe retention position and the latch adapter 526 in the rest position.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, 9, 12, and 14, the pouch 900, the single pouch901, the tall pouch 902, and the long pouch 903 (FIG. 25) are configuredto removably couple with one or more magnetic pouch mounts 500. Eachpouch may have a variant of the mounting bracket 920. Therefore, theoperation of removably coupling the pouch to the magnetic pouch mount500 is the same. The only difference is in the arrangement and/ororientation of two or more magnetic pouch mounts 500 to successfullycouple the pouch 900, the single pouch 901, the tall pouch 902, and thelong pouch 903 to a surface or device.

The operation of removably coupling the mounting bracket 920 with themagnetic pouch mount 500 will be described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 4.However, it should be understood that the description of the operationis not limited to only the structure of FIGS. 1 and 4. Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 4, the mounting bracket 920 may be removably coupled to themagnetic pouch mount 500 such that the latch axis 550 and the catch axis940 are substantially parallel to each other. As the pouch 900 is movedinto close proximity to the magnetic pouch mount 500, an attractivemagnetic force between the one or more magnetic areas 520 (FIG. 2) andthe one or more bracket magnetic areas both aligns the catch 930 withthe latch aperture 530 and the one or more alignment pegs 925 with theone or more mounting apertures 510 and draws the mounting bracket 920and the magnetic pouch mount 500 together to removably couple the twotogether. In one example, the pouch 900 could be released into afreefall in the vicinity of the magnetic pouch mount and the attractivemagnetic force would draw in and removably couple the pouch 900 to themagnetic pouch mount 500.

In another example, the magnetic pouch mount 500 may be coupled to awall 1800 under a cabinet as shown in FIG. 18. The pouch 900 may be heldnear to the magnetic pouch mount 500 and the magnetic attractive forcewould draw and removably couple the pouch 900 to the magnetic pouchmount 500 without the need for a user to visually align the catch 930with the latch aperture 530 or actuate a locking mechanism to removablycouple the pouch 900 to the magnetic pouch mount 500. The one or morealignment pegs 925 and the one or more mounting apertures 510 furtheraid in aligning the latch axis 550 and the catch axis 940 so that theyare substantially parallel with each other. The substantial alignment ofthe latch axis 550 and the catch axis allow the latch tooth 535 to fullyengage the catch 930 and provide a crash-ready coupling of the pouch 900and the magnetic pouch mount 500.

The pouch may be coupled to a surface or device by removable meansinstead of the magnetic pouch mount 500 (FIG. 1) and mounting bracket920 (FIG. 3) described above. Removable means may include, but is notlimited to, screws, bolts, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, tape,latches, clasps, push-type plastic rivets, panel fasteners, twist lockfasteners, ball stud and ball receiver, tinnerman fastener, strap,twist-tie, suction cups, or any similar devices that mechanically joinsor affixes two or more objects together and is easily separated.

For example, in another embodiment, the pouch may be secured to asurface or device with magnets coupled to the pouch. In this example,the surface or device may have magnets that are polar opposites of themagnets in the pouch or the surface or device may be made from aferromagnetic material. As the pouch is moved into proximity of thesurface or device, an attractive magnetic force draws the pouch to thesurface or device and couples the pouch to the surface or device.

Referring to FIGS. 1-18, the container 906 and the flap 905 may be madefrom a fabric material to include nylon and carbon fiber, a rigid fabricmaterial which is a fabric impregnated with a resin or a fabric with anincreased thickness to reduce pliability, a plastic material, a rubbermaterial, or the like. The pouch may be crash-ready. Referring now toFIGS. 1, 4, 9, and 12, a retrofit kit including the one or more magneticpouch mounts 500 and the mounting bracket (i.e., as used throughout, the“mounting bracket” includes the mounting bracket 920 of FIG. 4, thefirst mounting bracket 920 a and the second mounting bracket 920 b ofFIG. 9, and the modified mounting bracket 921) may be used to retrofitan pre-existing pouch to use the magnetic pouch attachment system.Fastening means 950 may be used to couple the mounting brackets to thepre-existing pouches. The mounting brackets may be modified to conformto the shape and size of the pre-existing pouch.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a front view of a crash-ready, portable, itemcompartmentalization device (softwall 100) is shown. The softwall 100may include a shell 300 (FIG. 3) comprising a first half shell 105 and asecond half shell 205 (FIG. 2). The first half shell 105 may include afirst handle 110, a second handle 115, one or more impact areas 120, oneor more spacers 125, one or more mount locations 130, one or morereflective areas 135, indicia 140, and one or more feet 145. The firsthandle 110 may span a first handle area 150 and the second handle 115may span a second handle area 155 (refer to FIG. 3). The first handlearea 150 and the second handle area 155 may be depressions in the firsthalf shell 105 and the second half shell 205 respectively that may allowa user to obtain a better grasp on either the first handle 110 or thesecond handle 115. The first handle 110 may be coupled to the first halfshell 105 along a side substantially parallel to a central axis 175 andthe second handle 115 may be coupled to the first half shell 105 along aside substantially parallel to a mount axis 170 and opposite from one ormore feet 145.

The one or more mount locations 130 may be coupled to a first exteriorsurface 165 of the first half shell 105. The one or more mount locations130 may be used to secure the softwall 100 to a surface (not shown) orstructure (not shown). The one or more mount locations 130 may be a hookor other fastening means. In one embodiment, the one or more mountlocations 130 may include a mount stud (FIG. 33). In one embodiment, theone or more mount locations 130 may be a wedge interface 72 shown inFIGS. 34 and 35. The coupling of the softwall 100 to a surface orstructure is described in greater detail below in relation to anequipment mounting system 380 (FIG. 31).

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the softwall 100 and depicts the second halfshell 205. The second half shell 205 may include one or more impactareas 120, the one or more spacers 125, one or more reflective areas135, one or more indicia 140, one or more restraint straps 210, and oneor more feet 145. The one or more spacers may be coupled to the firsthalf shell and the second half shell in the exterior space

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the one or more impact areas 120 may bemade from rubber or the like. The one or more impact areas 120 arepositioned at a plurality of corner areas 160, 161, 162, 163, 260, 261,262, and 263. The one or more impact areas 120 may be used to absorb theforce of an impact on the plurality of corner areas 160, 161, 162, 163,260, 261, 262, and 263 of the softwall 100. The one or more spacers 125may be made from rubber or the like.

Referring to FIG. 24, a surface axis 805 may define the outermost extentthe one or more spacers 125. The surface axis 805 may be a distance hfrom an exterior axis 810. The surface axis 805 may correspond to asurface that the softwall 100 is resting against or coupled to. Theexterior axis 810 may be defined as the substantial alignment of theplanes created by the first exterior surface 165 and the second exteriorsurface 265. The one or more spacers 125 may be used to substantiallyalign the exterior axis 810 with the surface axis 805 along parallellines and maintain an alignment with the surface while the shell is inthe open position. The surface may be a wall, a floor, ground, inclinedsurface, or the like. The distance h for each spacer of the one or morespacers 125 may be varied as needed to maintain the substantiallyparallel relationship between the exterior axis 810 and the surface axis805. In one embodiment, the surface axis 805 may also define theoutermost extent of the one or more mount locations 130. In anotherembodiment, the one or more mount locations 130 may be varied as neededto allow the softwall 100 to couple a surface or device and stillmaintain the substantially parallel relationship between the exterioraxis 810 and the surface axis 805.

Referring back to FIGS. 19 and 20, the one or more reflective areas 135may be arranged on the first exterior surface 165 of the first halfshell 105 and the second exterior surface 265 of the second half shell205 to provide identification or signally in all light level conditions.The one or more reflective areas 135 may be used to signal the presenceof the softwall 100. In one embodiment, the one or more reflective areas135 may be a light emitting diode (LED) or other luminary device thatmay be used to light the softwall 100 and the surrounding area. Thefirst exterior surface 165 and the second exterior surface 265 may becolor coded and/or may include one or more indicia 140 to indicate thecontents of the softwall 100 or a designated use of the softwall 100.Either alone or in combination, the one or more reflective areas 135,the one or more indicia 140, color coding of the first exterior surface165 and the second exterior surface 265, and the coloring of the one ormore impact areas 120 may serve to indicate the designated use of thesoftwall 100 or the contents of the softwall 100. The contents and thedesignated use of the softwall 100 are explained in greater detailbelow.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the shell 300 of the softwall 100. The shell300 may include the first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205.The shell 300 is shown in a closed position where the first half shell105 and the second 205 are couple together such that the primary shelldefines an interior space 710 (FIG. 7) and an exterior space 715 (FIG.7). The first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205 may havesubstantially similar dimensions and may be hingedly coupled along acommon side. In one embodiment, a hinge 305 may be constructed fromcloth and may resemble a piano hinge. The hinge 305 may also beconstructed from metal, plastic, rubber, or the like. The hinge 305 maybe an example of a mechanism to hingedly couple the first half shell 105and the second half shell 205 together along a common side to define theshell 300. Other examples of mechanisms to hingedly couple the firsthalf shell 105 and the second half shell 205 together along a commonside to define the shell 300 may include, but are not limited to, a butthinge, a strap hinge, a t-hinge, and a double-acting hinge.

The first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205 may beconstructed from a flexible material such as fabric, semi-rigid materialsuch as a thick rubber or layered fibers mats, or rigid material such aspolycarbonates.

Referring to FIG. 19, a mount axis 170 may be substantially orthogonalto a central axis 175 of the first half shell 105. The mount axis 170may bisect each of the one or more mounting locations 130. Referring nowto FIG. 21, the one or more mounting locations 130 and some of the oneor more spacers 125 may lie along an upper spacer axis 315. The upperspacer axis 315 may also be substantially orthogonal to the central axis175. Some of the one or more spacers 125 may lie along a lower spaceraxis 320. The upper spacer axis 315 and the lower spacer axis 320 may besubstantially parallel to each other. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, theupper spacer axis 315 and the mount axis 170 may define an upper planeand the lower spacer axis may lie along a lower plane where the upperplane and the lower plane are substantially parallel to each other.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the softwall 100. The hinge 305 may hingedlycouple the first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205substantially along a common side along a common axis 410. The one ormore impact areas 120 are shown to wrap around the plurality of cornerareas 161, 162, 261, and 262 respectively. A first strap slot 400, asecond strap slot 401, a third strap slot 403, and a fourth strap slot404 may be positioned at each of the plurality of corner areas 162, 262,161, and 261 respectively. The first strap slot 400, the second strapslot 401, the third strap slot 403, and the fourth strap slot 404 areexplained in greater detail below in the description for FIG. 24.

The first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205 of FIGS. 19through 22 may also include one or more feet 145. The one or more feet145 may be used to provide a contact points for the softwall 100 whenthe softwall 100 is placed on a surface. The one or more feet 145 mayinclude characteristics to prevent the softwall 100 from sliding on thesurface or the one or more feet 145 may include characteristics toprevent scratching of the softwall 100 and or the surface should thesurface be non-planar in shape. The one or more feet 145 may also serveto protect the one or more impact areas 120 from the surface such thatthe one or more impact areas 120 are not resting directing on thesurface when the softwall 100 is placed on the surface.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the softwall 100 in an open position. The firsthalf shell 105 is hingedly coupled to the second half shell 205 alongthe common axis 410. Within the interior space 710 of the first halfshell 105 and the second half shell 205 may be one or more backingplates 225 and one or more removable means 230. Each backing plate 225may be coupled to the first half shell 105 and the second half shell205. Each removable means 230 may be coupled to the backing plate 225such that the various embodiments of the pouch 900 may be coupled to andarranged within the interior space 710. In one embodiment, if theremovable means 230 are magnets coupled to the various embodiments ofthe pouch 900, the backing plate 225 may be a ferrous metal to allow amagnetic attractive force be created between the various embodiments ofthe pouch 900 and the backing plate 225. In another embodiment, theremovable means may be a button or clasp. In yet another embodiment, theremovable means may be a thumb latch. As an alternative to the removablemeans 230, the combination of the magnetic pouch mount 500 (FIG. 1) andthe mounting bracket 920 may be used.

A seam fastener 735 may be coupled to the outer edge 730 of the firsthalf shell 105 and the second half shell 205. The seam fastener 735 maybe unfastened to transition the softwall 100 to the open position andfastened to transition the softwall 100 to the closed position. The seamfastener 735 may include, but is not limited to, a zipper, a pluralityof buttons, hook and loop fastener, a plurality of snaps, or the like.The same fastener is configured to secure the first half shell 105 tothe second half shell 205 when the shell 300 (FIG. 21) is in the closedposition.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 25, the backing plate 225 may be coupled toone or more spacers 125 and the one or more mounting locations 130through fastening means 950. One or more restraint straps 235 may becoupled to the first half shell 105 and the second half shell 205 andmay be configured to secure the second half shell 205 and provide atensioning force between the first half shell 105 and the second halfshell 205 when the shell 300 is in an open position such that theinterior spaced 710 remain vertically aligned. The one or more restraintstraps 235 may be anchored to the fastening means 950 or at one or moreanchor points 240. An anchor 245 may be coupled to an external end 250of each restraint strap 235. When the one or more restraint straps 235are pulled taunt, the tensioning force aligns the first half shell 105and the second half shell 205 and may provide a contact force betweenthe one or more spacers 125 and the surface or device the softwall 100is coupled to. The anchor 245 may include, but is not limited to, ahook, a clasp, a latch, a grommet, and the like.

The interior compartment of the long pouch 903 is about twice as muchvolume as the single pouch 901 of FIG. 8. The dimensions of the longpouch 903 may be from about 3 in tall to about 7 in tall and from about14 in wide to about 18 in wide.

Referring now to FIGS. 25- 29, various pouch configurations are shown inthe interior space 710 of the softwall 100. FIGS. 25, 26, and 28illustrate different arrangements of the various pouches within theinterior space 710 of the softwall 100. FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a4-row by 2-column grid of removable means 230 (FIG. 23). The dimensionsof the 4-row by 2-column embodiment of the softwall 100 may be fromabout 23 in tall to about 25 in tall and from about 16 in wide to about20 in wide in the closed position and from about 48 in tall to about 52in tall in the open position. FIGS. 23, 28, and 29 illustrate a 3-row by2 column grid of removable means 230. The dimensions of the 3-row by 2column embodiment of the softwall 100 may be from about 16 in tall toabout 20 in tall and from about 16 in wide to about 20 in wide in theclosed position and from about 35 in tall to about 40 in tall in theopen position. The shape of the shell 300 may be dictated by thearrangement of the removable means 230 in the interior space 710.

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the restraint strap235 and the anchor 245. The anchor 245 may include an adjustment means255 to change the length of the external end 250 of the restraint strap235. Adjustment means may include, but is not limited to, a tri-barslide, a strap adjuster, a D-ring, a 2-sided halter ring, a 3-sidedhalter ring, a buckle, a post and grommet, and the like.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle 350 with the softwall 100removably coupled to the equipment mounting system 380 on a wall 355 ofthe vehicle 350. The softwall 100 allows a user to either hang thesoftwall 100 in the open position as shown in FIG. 31 or allows the userto remove the softwall 100, transition it the closed position, and carryit to another location. The removable means 230 of FIG. 23 allows thepouch to be removed and either moved to a different surface or device orswapped out with another pouch. In one example, a stock room may have aplurality of pouches already filled with supplies. When the userexhausts the supplies of one pouch, he can visit the stock room and swapout the pouch for a stocked pouch. The removable means allows the userto restock the softwall 100 without the need to assess a quantity ofsupplies within each pouch within the softwall 100. On a larger scale,the user may be able to swap out the whole softwall 100 for anotherstock softwall 100. The user may then couple the stocked softwall 100 tothe wall 355 of the vehicle 350.

FIG. 32 is one embodiment of the equipment mounting system 380. Theequipment mounting system 380 may include the quick mount track 11 and awedge mount 47. The one or more mount locations 130 (FIG. 19) may beconfigured to removably couple with either the quick mount track 11 orthe wedge mount 47. In one embodiment, the one or more mount locations130 may be the mount stud 141 shown in FIG. 33. The mount stud 141 maybe configured to slidably couple with a first outer slot 20 and/or asecond outer slot 30 of the quick mount track 11. In another embodiment,the one or more mount locations 130 may be the wedge interface 72. Thespacing between the one or more mount locations 130 on the firstexterior surface 165 of the first half shell 105 may be defined by thespacing between two wedge mounts 47 as shown in FIG. 32. In other words,the distance between the one or more mount locations 130 along the mountaxis 170 is substantially the same as the distance between a bowlaperture 54 on each wedge mount 47.

One or more restraint straps 235 and the anchor 245 may be removablycoupled to the equipment mounting system 380 and may secure the lowerend 385 of the softwall 100 and prevent it from being swinging feelywithin the vehicle 350.

FIG. 35 a front view of the wedge interface 72. A wedge 79 is situatedbetween and couples a equipment plate 74 and a plurality of captureguides 78 a and 78 b together. The wedge 79 has a lead-in surface 83which is configured to engage a keyhole slot aperture 57 on the wedgemount 47 and aid in rotational alignment of the wedge interface 72 andthe wedge mount 47. In other words, the lead-in surface 83 is configuredto rotationally align the wedge interface 72 and the wedge mount 47 byensuring the lead-in surface 83 is the only part of the wedge interface72 that may enter the keyhole slot aperture 57. The wedge 79 alsoincludes a first incline surface 84 and a second incline surface 85. Thefirst incline surface 84 and the second incline surface 85 are oppositeeach other and are coupled to the lead-in surface 83.

The softwall 100 may be used to quickly restock an emergency vehicle 350between emergency calls. The softwall 100 may be removed from theequipment mounting system 380 within the emergency vehicle and taken toa room to be replenished. The vehicle 350 may be replenished with eitheranother softwall 100 or the individual pouches (i.e., as usedthroughout, “pouches” may include the pouch 900 of FIG. 3, the singlepouch 901 of FIG. 8, the tall pouch 902 of FIG. 11, and the long pouch903 of 25) of the softwall 100 may be removed and replaced. In oneembodiment, the one or more pouches within the softwall 100 may also becolor coded to indicate their contents. The color coded pouches may aidin the replenishment of the softwall 100. The removable means may alsobe color coded to quickly assess which pouches were removed and needreplacement.

The removal of the softwall 100 and/or the one or more pouches may allowease of cleaning of the interior of the vehicle 350. The equipmentmounting system 380 may enable the interior of the vehicle 350 to bereconfigurable. In other words, if a specific softwall 100 is needed ona specific side of the vehicle 350, a user may remove the specificsoftwall 100 from within the vehicle 350 and re-couple it to theequipment mounting system 380 in another location within the vehicle350.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which the claimed subject matter belongs. The terminologyused in the description herein is for describing particular embodimentsonly and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specificationand appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent thedegree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a statedreference without resulting in a change in the basic function of thesubject matter at issue.

Certain terminology is used in the disclosure for convenience only andis not limiting. The words “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “upper”,and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference ismade. The terminology includes the words noted above as well asderivatives thereof and words of similar import.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein,it should be understood that various other changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimedsubject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not beutilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appendedclaims cover all such changes and modifications that are within thescope of the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, item compartmentalization device foruse in an emergency vehicle, the portable, item compartmentalizationdevice comprising: a shell comprising: a first half shell and a secondhalf shell, the first half shell and the second half shell havingsimilar dimensions and defining an interior space and an exterior space,the first half shell and the second half shell are hingedly coupledalong a common side such that the first half shell and the second halfshell can be positioned in a closed position in which the first halfshell and the second half shell are disposed parallel to and stacked inrelation to each other such that the interior spaces are combined, andan open position in which the first half shell and the second half shellare disposed adjacent to and coplanar with one another; a first handlecoupled to the first half shell along a side parallel to a central axis;a second handle coupled to the first half shell along a side parallel toa mount axis and opposite from one or more feet; and a seam fastenercoupled to an outer edge of the first half shell and the second halfshell and couples the first half shell to the second half shell togetherwhen the shell is in the closed position; at least one securing devicedisposed within the interior space and selected from the groupconsisting of a removable means and magnetic pouch mount each of whichcomprises a latch mechanism; at least one mount location coupled to anexterior wall of the first half shell and configured to secure the shellto a surface wall of an emergency vehicle; at least one pouch removablycoupled to the shell in the interior space through the at least onesecuring device, the at least one pouch comprising: a container definingan interior compartment and having an opening for receiving items intothe interior compartment; a flap hingedly coupled to the container andsized to cover the opening and at least a portion of an outer surface ofthe container; and means for securing the flap to the outer surface ofthe container.
 2. The portable, item compartmentalization device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one mount location is a stud configured tocouple with a quick mount track coupled to the surface wall of anemergency vehicle.
 3. The portable, item compartmentalization device ofclaim 2, further comprising at least one spacer coupled to the exteriorwall of the first half shell and the second half shell in the exteriorspace to maintain an alignment of the first half shell and the secondhalf shell with the surface wall of an emergency vehicle while the shellis in the open position.
 4. The portable, item compartmentalizationdevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one mount location is a wedgeinterface configured to couple with a wedge mount coupled to a quickmount track coupled to the surface wall of an emergency vehicle.
 5. Theportable, item compartmentalization device of claim 4, furthercomprising at least one spacer coupled to the exterior wall of the firsthalf shell and the second half shell in the exterior space to maintainan alignment of the first half shell and the second half shell with thesurface wall of an emergency vehicle while the shell is in the openposition.
 6. The portable, item compartmentalization device of claim 1,wherein the removable means are coupled to at least one backing platethat is coupled within the interior space to the first half shell andthe second half shell.
 7. The portable, item compartmentalization deviceof claim 6, wherein the removable means are arranged in a 4 by 2 grid.8. The portable, item compartmentalization device of claim 1, whereinthe at least one pouch is color coded to indicate their contents.
 9. Theportable, item compartmentalization device of claim 1, wherein theportable, item compartmentalization device can withstand a g-forceloading of up to 20g in order to retain functionality within anemergency vehicle after the emergency vehicle is subjected to aninertial force, impact, crash, or a sudden maneuver.
 10. The portable,item compartmentalization device of claim 1, further comprising amounting bracket cooperative with the magnetic pouch mount and the atleast one pouch through at least one of an alignment peg, a catch and afastening means.
 11. The portable, item compartmentalization device ofclaim 1, wherein the latch mechanism of the removable means or magneticpouch mount comprises a spring-biased latch handle and latch tooth suchthat the latch tooth is movable within a latch aperture in response tomovement of the latch handle such that a catch formed as part of the atleast one pouch may selectively engage the latch tooth.
 12. A method ofutilizing a portable, item compartmentalization device in an emergencyvehicle, the method comprising: mounting the portable, itemcompartmentalization device to a quick mount track that is secured to asurface wall of the emergency vehicle, the portable, itemcompartmentalization device comprising: a shell comprising: a first halfshell and a second half shell, the first half shell and the second halfshell having similar dimensions which defines an interior space and anexterior space, the first half shell and the second half shell arehingedly coupled along a common side such that the first half shell andthe second half shell can be positioned in a closed position in whichthe first half shell and the second half shell are disposed parallel toand stacked in relation to each other such that the interior spaces arecombined, and an open position in which the first half shell and thesecond half shell are disposed adjacent to and coplanar with oneanother; a first handle coupled to the first half shell along a sideparallel to a central axis; a second handle coupled to the first halfshell along a side parallel to a mount axis and opposite from one ormore feet; and a seam fastener is coupled to an outer edge of the firsthalf shell and the second half shell and couples the first half shell tothe second half shell when the shell is in the closed position; at leastone securing device disposed within the interior space and selected fromthe group consisting of a removable means and magnetic pouch mount eachof which comprises a latch mechanism; and at least one mount locationcoupled to an exterior wall of the first half shell; securing the shellto the quick mount track; and transitioning the portable, itemcompartmentalization device from the closed position to the openposition.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising removablydisposing at least one pouch to the shell in the interior space, the atleast one pouch comprising: a container defining an interior compartmentand having an opening for receiving items into the interior compartment;a flap hingedly coupled to the container and sized to cover the openingand at least a portion of an outer surface of the container; and afastener used to secure the flap to the outer surface of the container.14. The method of claim 12, further comprising unfastening the seamfastener before transitioning the portable, item compartmentalizationdevice from the closed position to the open position.
 15. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising: removing a pouch from the portable, itemcompartmentalization device; and replacing the removed pouch with astocked pouch.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: removingthe portable, item compartmentalization device from the quick mounttrack; and replacing the portable, item compartmentalization device withanother portable, item compartmentalization device.